The Cabo Villano Lighthouse (1896), located in an environment of great scenic and environmental value, is built of stonework at an altitude of 75 m and has an octagonal floor plan, about 25 m high, linked by a tunnel to a square construction with an interior patio. A two-story building with a simple design that houses different units.

The origin of this lighthouse, the first to be electric in Spain, is due to the fact that it came to replace a previous lighthouse (1854), located nearby, and which worked with steam.
It was after the sinking of the Serpent, in 1890, when the need for the new lighthouse gained strength and became a reality.

Currently, it is one of the tourist resources with the greatest projection in the Camariñas town hall and houses a museum and an exhibition hall that changes throughout the year.

The sinking of the English battleship HMS Serpent (1890) in Punta do Boi accelerated the construction of the current lighthouse and its passage to a first-order category -like the one in Fisterra or the one on the Sisargas islands-, achieving its light 60 miles (97 km ). The catastrophe also caused it to be the first electrified lighthouse in Spain (1896). Right in front, you can still see what is known as “Faro Vello”.

This is one of the most characteristic lighthouses on the Costa da Morte. The natural enclave in which it sits is spectacular. In fact, Cabo Vilán was declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1933.

It is difficult to forget about this site: the landscape, the light, the wind or the architecture of the building. It is distributed in heights and adapted to the orography: the house is separated from the lantern and connected by a covered tunnel that reaches the tower. That’s 250 stairs!

This is an open lighthouse in all its senses. Go inside to visit the showrooms, where there is always a show; and the Costa da Morte Shipwreck Interpretation Center where you can see a simulated tour to the lantern. You will also find a cafeteria.

If you arrive at sunset, look for the «green ray», the color that the light of the sun takes on around the headlights.

QO-100 ACTIVATION 04-12-2022

DATA OF LIGHTHOUSE

International Code: D- 1736
ARHLS Code:  SPA-056
Height above or ground: 25 meters
Focal Height: 104 meters
Light characteristic: 	Fl(2) W 15s y L 0 5 oc 3 5 L 0 5 oc 10 5
Period:  GpD (2) B 5 s
Range: 24 nautical miles
Grid Locator: IN53JD
Coordenates:  43°09′34″N - 9°12′39″w